INFORMATIONAL

 School divisions are encouraged to participate in the attached short survey 
regarding interest in a student exchange program with Brazil.

During a ceremony in Florianopolis last May, Governor Jim Gilmore announced that 
the Commonwealth of Virginia and the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, have joined a 
sister state relationship to expand business relationships, increase cultural ties, 
and share educational resources.  The governor of Santa Catarina has expressed an 
interest in establishing a student exchange program between Virginia and Santa 
Catarina.  

With a population of more than six million, Santa Catarina is one of the most 
productive and beautiful Brazilian states.  High levels of business growth, literacy,
and employment characterize Santa Catarina's economy.  Its per capita income is 
higher than the national average.  Large companies and thousands of small businesses 
are located in the state, which is linked to consumer centers and ports by an 
excellent highway infrastructure.  

Santa Catarina is also Brazil's third largest tourism destination.  Like Virginia, 
the state possesses a variety of scenery from white sandy beaches and tropical 
forests to snowy mountains.  Virginia and Santa Catarina have benefited from 
cultural and educational ties for more than three decades, beginning with a 
partnership chartered by Partners of the Americas in 1967.

Please complete the attached survey and return it by June 2.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.  If you have additional 
questions, please contact Cheri Yecke, deputy secretary of education, at 
(804) 786-1151.

JLD/jf

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/administrators/superintendents_memos/2000/inf104a.pdf